I looked at Bowflex Select weights reviews &amp; they said that a plastic piece break &amp; the weight plates fall apart. The weights are similar to this one. Does it have plastic parts in it or all metal? And how safe is it?
24176
The part holding the weights is. mafe of plastic. Can't see how it would break in normal use though.
912097
Bar has threaded ends and comes with two, large, chrome-plated "stars" that screw onto the ends to secure the weights. Some have complained that the stars will "unscrew" slightly with use. After a few reps you may need to retighten the stars, but it is as simple as closing a jar of pickles.
1671955
The one I got was one solid piece of metal. It works well but doesn't allow you to select different weights like the original one with the two rings.
1749671
http://www.livestrong.com/article/194903-what-is-the-difference-between-the-bowflex-extreme-the-extreme-2/#page=1
1768493
I would recommend plastic covered weights. The holes in steel weights are to large.
123934
Bowflex provides a DVD with the product that demonstrates the proper use (handling) and the proper placement of the dumbbells when lifting them during the execution of most of the dumbbell exercises used in normal workouts. Once you fully understand the proper handling of the dumbbells during the exercise and the proper technique for picking them up and placing them down I am sure you will be successful in using them. The Liberty Bell wasn't a fragile item but still it cracked. Like anything else in this world if you treat them nice they will treat you nice and provide years of faithful service. Bowflex provides a DVD with the product that demonstrates the proper use (handling) and the proper placement of the dumbbells when lifting them during the execution of most of the dumbbell exercises used in normal workouts. Once you fully understand the proper handling of the dumbbells during the exercise and the proper technique for picking them up and placing them down I am sure you will be successful in using them. The Liberty Bell wasn't a fragile item but still it cracked. Like anything else in this world if you treat them nice they will treat you nice and provide years of faithful... » Read More Bowflex provides a DVD with the product that demonstrates the proper use (handling) and the proper placement of the dumbbells when lifting them during the execution of most of the dumbbell exercises used in normal workouts. Once you fully understand the proper handling of the dumbbells during the exercise and the proper technique for picking them up and placing them down I am sure you will be successful in using them. The Liberty Bell wasn't a fragile item but still it cracked. Like anything else in this world if you treat them nice they will treat you nice and provide years of faithful service. « Show Less
525676
I ordered mine from Amazon in August of 2013 and the set I got were manufactured with metal clips, so they are a "revised" version of what some people have negatively reviewed on here (which I believe were ones manufactured pre-2010). I looked at my box, which I still have and at the weights themselves and do not see a manufacture date, but I did talk with Bowflex before I ordered mine and they told me that Amazon IS an approved distributor and they reassured me that they are not selling knockoffs, mfg defects or old stuff like you might think. Just make sure if you buy them you check to see that it says "Ships from and sold by Amazon.com." When I bought them, they were only $249.99, so the price does vary from time to time. Hope that helps!!
1774662
Mine are the "Classic 50 Power Block." The weights/plates are painted metal, and the body/handle is plastic. I purchased them a year and a half ago.
801840
I think it is plastic, but it could be metal. As I feel it, I'm pretty sure it's plastic though. I really like this scale. I just hop on it and it gives me my weight. Best scale I've ever owned.
1384156
Mine broke during this particular exercise. It hurt LOL. I bought the 4 pack from home complete afterwards and haven't had an issue yet.
342030
It does not matter from which material pulley made off. So metal would work just as good as plastic as long as you doing exercise.
619055
The plastic holder comes with the weights & indeed, is a very important component for these bells to work. You cannot change the resistance otherwise. The weights sit in the holder and the handle is inserted between the plates. A dial on the handle selects the desired weight. They are delicate and need to be handled with care. But well worth the investment. The same set of dumbells will cost you easily 3 times or more.
324349
All I can tell you is this. It says on the DVD that came with it you don't want to drop them because the locking system can be damaged voiding the warranty. These units are so simple to use and I really can't see any reason to drop them. I see people do that in gyms and it's just not necessary. Only use the weight you can handle and you won't need to drop them. Wonderful units.
806295
Hi, porchpotato. I don't own and haven't used this product, but I own a pair of similar RAWBuiltTech standard-size barbell collars. I don't have one of those interchangeable-plates dumbbell sets, but I can say this much: even a 25 LB (old) Weider weight plate and a pair of (much newer) 5 LB Weider plates (or "disks") press against the clamped-on barbell collar (when the barbell is tilted even moderately). The 35 LB weight-plate trio then causes the barbell collar to shift toward the end of the barbell sleeve, if only by a fraction of an inch. Oh, I know that virtually no-one is tough enough (or dexterous enough) to try handling and curling a 70 LB dumbbell set made with 25 LB weight plates, but I hope my reply is a bit useful ...
374512
I will say I bought a pair of Hoist dumbells and I love them. They can not break. I have the 45 lb set and will upgrade when needed. The Bowflex are nice but they are crazy expensive and bulky. They may take a few seconds more to change weights as you add or revove actual plates and adjust the dial to keep in place but I could not be happier with the purchase.
1082870
One of the reviewers of the dumbbell set referred people to this site and said it's the cheapest he could find for add-on plates. http://www.warehousefitness.com/exercise-equipment/RDD/default.aspx Hope this helps!
374509
I liked the bowflex, but as I never need any weights over 20 lbs (and the bowflex only has a 5-50lb option), I'm getting the powerblock 3lb to 21lb set. Saves me $200